Sometimes it’s hard to know when to party for Cinco de Mayo.
The fifth of May is always appropriate, of course, but May 6 hangovers aren’t great for the weekday workplace. The annual Cinco fiesta at Civic Center isn’t happening until May 7 and 8. And it’s still partially April this weekend. What to do?
Just go out sometime in the next week, and raise a Tecate (or Negro Modelo or Victoria or Corona or a shot of tequila) to the holiday. There’s nothing wrong with making this year’s Cinco last a little longer. Here are a few ideas for places to have a little fiesta.
Zocalo (12 E. 11th Ave.) is a relative newcomer to the Cinco scene. It’s a typical Colorado-Mexican restaurant — green chile, orange cheese, cheap margaritas — that’s become a Capitol Hill favorite.
There’s a long, spacious patio out front that’s great for sipping a cold beer or two. And the Zocalo folks aren’t afraid of slinging drinks. Stop in for one of two daily happy hours — from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close — to get a dose of Mexico City sabor. (Zocalo is named after a historic plaza in Mexico City, the hometown of its owners.)
A short walk away, Emilio’s (338 E. Colfax Ave.) draws an eclectic crowd of Capitol Hill hipsters, government employees and downtown businessfolk.
The patio along Logan Street is a hit in nice weather — it’s often packed, even after the sun goes down. Certainly, the insane deal on margaritas is attractive: They’re just $1.75 after 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
The demand’s become strong enough that Emilio’s is expanding, a nearly unheard-of development in the current bar-and-restaurant market. Soon, that patio is going to be even bigger to accommodate the margarita- loving hordes that have adopted Emilio’s.
In the heart of Highland, El Camino Community Tavern (3628 W. 32nd Ave.) is a fine place to gather for celebratory libations. Its happy hour is generous and full of variety. No weak margs and overpriced Coronitas here — the happy hour menu is almost a full drink list in itself. Get a bucket of six Sols, Dos Equis Ambers or Tecate Lights for $18, $3.50 well drinks and reduced prices on margaritas and shots of tequila. You actually get to choose what kind of marg and brand of tequila you prefer too.
Take advantage of El Camino’s happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close every day. They’ve also got sweet deals on Taco Tuesday ($1 street tacos) and Wine Wednesday (half off select bottles of wine), so pretty much any day is a good one to have a Cinco fiesta.
Of course, no Cinco column would be complete without mentioning Mezcal (3230 E. Colfax Ave.), the East Colfax hangout with hundreds of tequilas and mezcals on hand.
Its daily happy hour offers $2 PBR and PBR Light, $3 Tecate and Tecate Light, and $5 margs and $4.50 mojitos. Not too shabby. Mezcal will likely go all out on Thursday for the actual holiday, as well.
Wherever and however you mark Cinco de Mayo, just remember: It’s not “Mexican Independence Day.” Salud!Other fun:
The Vine Street Pub (1700 Vine St.) hosts a third birthday bash on Thursday. The “Smokin’ Hot Anniversary Party” features live music, grilling out and Chupacabra, a special birthday beer. All proceeds from the party will benefit Judi’s House, a nonprofit that supports grieving children and families. The fun starts at 4:20 p.m.
At Beta (1909 Blake St.), Chicago house head Steve Smooth mans the decks on Saturday. Tickets are $10 at .
